The 2018 offseason's free agent class might be the strongest ever. It will be headlined by Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson, Andrew McCutchen, Dallas Keuchel, Andrew Miller and potentially even Clayton Kershaw and David Price if they choose to opt out of their contracts.

This offseason's free agent class doesn't have as many superstars but it's deep in talent.

Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski must fix the Red Sox's offense this offseason, but his 2018 payroll already is nearing Major League Baseball's $197 million competitive balance tax threshold.

It seems unlikely Boston would pursue a notable starting pitcher unless it traded one of its two highest-paid starting pitchers (David Price or Rick Porcello) to free up money.

Boston's 2018 payroll already is nearing MLB's $197 million competitive balance tax threshold heading into the offseason. The Sox likely will be willing to exceed the threshold but the priority should be to spend money on adding one or two power hitters.

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AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

2. ERIC HOSMER

First Baseman

The Gold Glove first baseman and Scott Boras client might receive a $200 million contract.

Hosmer posted a .297/.363/.459/.822 line with 18 homers, 93 RBIs, 33 doubles and five triples in 2015. He slashed .266/.328/.433/.761 with 25 homers, 105 RBIs, 24 doubles and one triple in 2016.

Will the Red Sox be interested? Yes, he should be their top target. He's always been known as a leader. And the Red Sox need to add a player or two with experience winning in the postseason. Hosmer has won one World Series and played in two.

He has hit well at Fenway Park during his career. He's 35-for-99 (.354 batting average) with a .404 on-base percentage, .485 slugging percentage, .889 OPS, three homers, four doubles and 17 RBIs in 24 games there.

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AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

3. J.D. MARTINEZ

Outfielder

Martinez is the best pure power hitter on the free agent market.

The 30-year-old put together a monster season in 2017, belting 45 home runs, driving in 104 runs and slashing .303/.376/.690/1.066 in 199 games for Detroit and Arizona.

He has bashed 128 homers over the past four seasons, including 38 in 158 games during 2015.

He's not a great defensive outfielder. So perhaps AL teams could pursue him as a DH who plays the outfield occasionally.

Will the Red Sox have interest? The Red Sox ranked last in the AL in homers (168) in 2017. They should make Martinez one of their top targets.